BACKGROUND: After multimodal treatment estimated 5-year survival of locally recurrent rectal cancer is about 25%. Hydronephrosis secondary to pelvic recurrence of colorectal cancer is a condition claimed to represent a contraindication to surgery due to a dismal prognosis. METHODS: Prospective registration of 193 consecutive patients operated for pelvic recurrence in rectal or colon cancer from January 1991 until March 2002 at a tertiary referral hospital, 121 men and 72 women, median age 67 years, all given irradiation preoperatively. Twenty-three of 193 had hydronephrosis prior to preoperative irradiation for recurrent disease. RESULTS: R-0 stage resection was obtained in 22% of patients with hydronephrosis and in 41% without. The median survival times in patients without metastasis were 27 and 32 months, respectively, and 5-year survival rates were 11% and 25%. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive surgical approach offers patients with pelvic recurrence from rectal and colon cancer the best potential for survival. The presence of hydronephrosis probably indicates a lower chance for complete surgical resection of the recurrence, but local control and improved survival may still be achieved, and about two thirds of patients may benefit from the operation.
BACKGROUND: After multimodal treatment estimated 5-year survival of locally recurrent rectal cancer is about 25%. Hydronephrosis secondary to pelvic recurrence of colorectal cancer is a condition claimed to represent a contraindication to surgery due to a dismal prognosis. METHODS: Prospective registration of 193 consecutive patients operated for pelvic recurrence in rectal or colon cancer from January 1991 until March 2002 at a tertiary referral hospital, 121 men and 72 women, median age 67 years, all given irradiation preoperatively. Twenty-three of 193 had hydronephrosis prior to preoperative irradiation for recurrent disease. RESULTS: R-0 stage resection was obtained in 22% of patients with hydronephrosis and in 41% without. The median survival times in patients without metastasis were 27 and 32 months, respectively, and 5-year survival rates were 11% and 25%. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive surgical approach offers patients with pelvic recurrence from rectal and colon cancer the best potential for survival. The presence of hydronephrosis probably indicates a lower chance for complete surgical resection of the recurrence, but local control and improved survival may still be achieved, and about two thirds of patients may benefit from the operation.
Authors: Joo Ho Lee; Dae Yong Kim; Sun Young Kim; Ji Won Park; Hyo Seong Choi; Jae Hwan Oh; Hee Jin Chang; Tae Hyun Kim; Suk Won Park Journal: Radiat Oncol Date: 2011-05-20 Impact factor: 3.481